Art quilting: On job training

This week is the Commonwealth games in Scotland.  Like the Olympics, commonwealth nations of the world come together every 4 years to compete in their chosen sports. It has been great to watch our athletes perform to such a high ability and to see them represent their countries with such energy and commitment.  New Zealand is such a tiny country compared to many of the countries competing but we are doing so well.  (Go Kiwis!!)

Athlete train for years to get to this level of competition.  They will work and sacrifice almost everything they can to be able to represent their country in their chosen sport. They are completely committed in using their time, motivation, organisation skills, stamina, research and perfecting techniques.  We only see one small part of their training the end result. The success at receiving a medal or their failure.

Viewers of art only see one part of the hours of work that an artist will put into the level of expertise in their chosen medium.  They will only see the end result. Artists too are judged in the success of the final performance, the finished art work and whether it sells or not.  The process artist takes to reach this point in their career is varied just like an athlete. Some will have formal education others will have none. But success like an athlete is based upon a lot of sacrifice and commitment. The best education an artist will ever get is on job training and miles and  miles of hard work.

What are some of the things to help an artist progress in their art medium?

• Hard work.  Nothing beats it.
• Turning up everyday to work whether you feel like it or not
• Researching new ideas
• Experimenting with new ideas, media and mediums
• Practice, practice, practice
• Being highly organised
• Learning about all aspects of art business.  
• Perfecting skills
• Using time wisely
• Using resources wisely
• Budgeting well
• Asking others for help
• Utilising other peoples skills
• Reading and keeping updated on all new happenings in the art world
• Trying new techniques
• Having a balance
• Keep professional relationships flourishing
• Keeping your mind open to new ways of doing things
• Keep making new work and being in the studio.  
• Keeping going when everything isn't working
• Connecting with other artists on a regular basis.

With hard work and determination artists can be very successful.

'Don't think outboast making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding , make even more art'

Andy Warhol